July 2020 Festivals and Events in India
July is the month when the Gods pour divinity through the sky, as it’s the time when monsoon takes over everywhere in the country. The whole atmosphere becomes very cool and resplendent offering a great respite from the scorching summer heat.
And amid all this, the events and festivals happening during this time don’t fail to instill a sense of great joy and excitement among the masses. So, without further ado, let’s go through the popular Indian festivals and events happening in India in the month of July.
1. Amarnath Yatra
Date 2020: July 21-August 3 (Due to the Novel Coronavirus pandemic, to be attended by only 500 devotees)
According to the popular Hindu belief, every year the Amarnath Cave witnesses the magical formation of a Shiva lingam made out of ice. To witness this phenomenon n number of people visit the cave every year. However, despite the number of people visiting here each and every year, the Amarnath Yatra is considered to be one of the toughest pilgrimages in India and the true Lord Shiva devotees don’t mind participating in it.
2. Bonalu
Date 2020: 28 June-19 July (Stands canceled due to COVID-19)
Historically, this festival traces its roots back to 200 years in the pages of history. This festival is basically a celebration of Mother Goddess Shakti. The rituals of this festival mainly take place during the Hindu month of Ashadha.
In Telugu, Bonalu means feast and during the festivities, this feast of cooked rice along with milk and jaggery is presented to the Goddess in return for the fulfillment of vows and desires of her devotees. During this festival, the womenfolk are also required to carry decorated pots of clay on their heads to the temple. The biggest celebration of the festival is celebrated at Simhavahini Sri Mahakali Temple of Lal Darwza in the Old City of Hyderabad on the last Sunday.
3. Delhi Tourism Mango Festival
Date 2020: July 9-10 (On hold courtesy coronavirus)
July is the month to fall in love with mangoes and it is for this relationship of yours with the king of fruits, Delhi Tourism Mango Festival is held every year that lets you savour over 500 different varieties of mangoes that are on display at this three-day long event. For the unversed, it takes place in Dilli Haat, situated in Janakpuri. Here you can do a variety of shopping and take several mango products home, like mango jams, the fruit itself and whatnot. The celebrations also include a mango eating competition which is a source of great fun and entertainment for the audience.
4. Njangattiri Aanayoottu (Elephant Feeding Ritual)
Date 2020: July 17, 2020 (Pending approval from the government)
This is quite a unique festival or more of a ritual that attracts a lot of attention from tourists and locals alike. It is majorly so because, on this day, a great number of elephants are decorated and then taken inside the Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple for a feeding ritual. The food items include sugarcane leaves, jaggery and many other items. The main aim of Aanayoottu ritual is to please Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles and fulfillment of one’s desires.
5. Bhandara Festival
Date 2020: July 20, 2020 (On hold courtesy coronavirus)
This festival sees a major ritual of turmeric being thrown in the entire temple by the energetic devotees who also sing and dance while doing so. At noontime, the temple deity is taken out in a procession and is given a holy bath in the nearby river.
6. Teej Festival
Date 2020: July 23-24
This is considered to be a very important festival for women who keep a fast on this day for the long and healthy life of their better halves. On this special occasion, the womenfolk apply henna to their hands and feet while also properly getting dressed. Teej also celebrates the onset of monsoon season in Rajasthan and also commemorates the divine reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
7. Nag Panchami
Date 2020: July 25, 2020
As the name suggests, this festival involves the worship of snake deities which is done to ward off evil. In some areas, even the real snakes are worshipped during this occasion. These prayers are majorly offered on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha of Shravana month. The rituals of Nag Panchami include giving a reverential bath to the snake deity with milk.
8. Phyang Tsedup Festival
Date 2020: July 18
Celebrated in Ladakh’s Phyang Monastery, this festival sees several lamas performing in bright and colourful attires. The idea behind their dressing like that is to represent a lot of different characters. The monks also wear vibrant silk costumes and worship their deity by performing Chham, a ritualistic dance. Apart from the dance performances, cultural exhibitions are also a highlight of the festival.
9. Minjar Festival
Date 2020: 26 July-01 August
The Dev Bhoomi has always been a trending destination in India. Celebrated in Himachal Pradesh on the second Sunday of Sawan, Minjar Mela is basically a Harvest festival. It is believed that this festival is being celebrated since 935 AD and the rituals of this festival include honouring Lord Raghuvir (an incarnation of Lord Rama) along with other deities. Over time, this festival has seen a lot of additions of various elements like folk dance, flea market as well as some sports performances.